Lighted boat parade a holiday favorite in Eden Isles: Shoreline

Thanks to mild weather and light wind, the Christmas lighted boat parade enjoyed a big turnout when it floated through the canals of Eden Isles on the evening of Dec. 22. More than two dozen decorated boats participated while hundreds watched from yards and docks along the route.

The annual parade features participants from several Shoreline organizations, but any decorated boats are invited to participate.

Tommy Wyant, past king of the Krewe of Bilge, and his wife, Nancy, hosted the krewe’s new King Neptune, Earl Savoie, on their 42-foot Sea Ray, Fancy Nancy. Earl’s wife, Sylvia, will be serving as 2013 Commodore of the Poor Man’s Yacht Club.

Like many people with holiday birthdays, Barbara Castelli always felt a little “shortchanged,” having been born on Christmas Eve. She has remedied that in the past few years by inviting family and friends to join her for an annual birthday dinner at her home on Eden Isles Boulevard, and ends each night of celebration with a white elephant gift exchange.

Sometimes known as a “Dirty Santa” exhange, each participant brings a gift, then either selects from the assortment of gifts under the tree or “steals” one that was previously opened.

But wait – there’s more! This year, Barb’s gift exchange added an interesting twist – all gifts had to be items “As Seen on TV."

From a “Perfect Tortilla” pan set for making taco salad bowls, to a “Clever Clasp” magnetic necklace connector, the practical, familiar gifts had all been seen on late-night infomercials.

Barb’s daughter, Colleen Darby, was thrilled with her “Lint Lizard” for cleaning out her dryer vent and managed to hang onto it throughout the game. Her husband, Ken, stole an ultrasonic “Bark Off” to help keep their dogs quiet.

When Carole Tesdell opened an “Instabulb” light that requires no outlet or wiring, Trudy Harris said it was exactly what she needed for a dark closet at her home so she stole it as soon as her turn came around.

When Rick Theoret opened a “Topsy Turvy” tomato planter and his wife, Leslie, got a “Pocket Hose” for watering, it seemed like the perfect combination – until Judy Hickey stole the "Topsy Turvy" for the porch of her Marina Drive condo.

The party ended with everyone showing off their gifts in a group photo, followed by a delicious yule log birthday cake.